By Amrit Pal Sidhu
Patiala, September 22
In the heart of Patiala, a persistent cry for justice reverberates through the corridors of Punjabi University. For 36 consecutive days, contract teachers have been rallying for their rights, under the banner of the Punjabi University Contract Teachers Association (PUCTA). Their protest, symbolically highlighting the issue of 'bonded labour', seeks to bring attention to the constitutional and regulatory aspects of their plight.
In a determined show of unity and resolve, contract teachers from Punjabi University Campus, Neighbourhood Campuses, Regional Centres, and Constituent Colleges participated in a protest rally, highlighting their service conditions as akin to 'bonded labour'. Organized by the Punjabi University Contract Teachers Association (PUCTA), the protest underscored the demand for the implementation of UGC Regulations from 2010 and 2018.
The protest march commenced at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, coursing through significant university offices before culminating at the main gate, where a demonstration was held. The march then returned to its starting point, symbolizing the teachers' persistent struggle for recognition and fair treatment.
PUCTA General Secretary, Ramanpreet Singh, revealed that a recent meeting with the district administration had resulted in assurances that their demands would soon be met. However, he expressed skepticism over the university's willingness to act on these assurances, emphasizing that the struggle is not solely about salaries but encompasses broader service rights and dignity for contract teachers.
Singh stressed the importance of addressing all demands collectively rather than piecemeal, advocating for a unified forum where comprehensive solutions could be formulated. He highlighted Clause 13 of the UGC Regulations, which mandates fixed emoluments for contract Assistant Professors comparable to those of regular Assistant Professors. PUCTA insists on full implementation of these provisions by Punjabi University.
The union cited the Punjab and Haryana High Court's judgment in Rajan Goyal v. UGC & Others, which upheld the principle of equating contract Assistant Professors' pay with their regular counterparts under UGC guidelines. Furthermore, PUCTA referred to Article 23 of the Indian Constitution, which prohibits forced labour, drawing parallels with their current plight.
PUCTA Vice-President Raj Mahinder Kaur pointed out that contract teachers have long been fulfilling essential academic duties without due recognition. She urged the university administration to engage meaningfully with the union to address their demands seriously.
Union leaders Surinder Singh and Dalbir Singh reiterated their demands based on constitutional provisions and UGC Regulations, calling for an appropriate forum for dialogue. Dr. Harpreet Singh emphasized viewing these demands as part of a broader issue concerning service security and compliance with applicable rules.
The union's demands include implementing Clause 13 of the UGC Regulations, granting financial benefits as per the Rajan Goyal judgment, and considering all contract teachers' demands comprehensively. The struggle, they stated, will persist until tangible actions are taken to address these issues.
The protest by Punjabi University’s contract teachers is a confirmation to their unwavering resolve for justice and recognition. As they continue their struggle, they call upon the university and relevant authorities to heed their demands and take concrete action. Until then, their fight for rights and dignity persists, echoing through the halls of academia in Patiala.